When watching VH1's latest reality show, you might want to keep your finger on the volume button. The cable channel is partnering with Lionsgate for Scream Queens, an eight-episode competition show featuring 10 aspiring actresses hoping to land a role in a Lionsgate horror film, says the Hollywood Reporter. Actress Shawnee Smith (Saw), writer/director James Gunn (Dawn of the Dead, Scooby-Doo) and acting coach John Homa will serve as the judges. Additionally, Smith will act as host of the show, Homa will coach the girls in each challenge and Gunn will direct the contestants' weekly performances. So, does this news make you want to Scream? — Adam Bryant
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Now reporting this makes me sad, because Jenna is a favorite around here. The Office cutie Jenna Fischer and her screenwriter/director husband James Gunn have announced the end of their six-year marriage. In a statement posted on their respective MySpace pages, they share, "We are sorry for any pain this causes family and friends. The enthusiasm we have expressed for each other's lives, spirits and careers is real — we have been each other's cheerleader and friend... and continue to be so now and in the future."Knowing how this Internet thing can be, the couple adds, "You might be tempted to make one of us 'feel better' by putting the other one down in a [message board] post. Please don't. We still have the utmost respect for one another, and we'd have to delete you."Gunn directed his wife in the campy horror hit Slither.
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... to see Slither, which arrives on DVD today. In fact, she was nice enough to e-mail me this list of reasons why you should sample the horror pic (costarring Jenna, and written and directed by her crazy-lucky husband, James Gunn):1. "It's a crowd-pleaser, fun to watch with a group of people." 2. "It is gross and gory, but not too scary. It kind of reminds me of The Fly in that way." 3. "It's funny! Funnier than most comedies. I would compare it to Pulp Fiction in the way that Pulp Fiction is hilarious but you still find it in the drama section at the video store. Slither will have you laughing out loud." 4. "The acting is better than in any horror movie I've seen this year. (And I'm not just saying that because I'm in it.)"5. "The DVD extras are awesome, especially 'Meet Bill Pardy,' where the entire cast and crew roast Nathan Fillion. So great!" 6. "It won Highest Body Count at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards — 104 killings in 104 minutes."That last one alone sold me. (Need two...
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